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Vivo Go debuts as Blu’s first phone with Android 9 Pie (Go edition)

AndroidGuys
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Squeezing out one final model before the end of 2018, smartphone maker Blu is back with another new handset. This time we’re looking at the Vivo Go, the company’s first to launch with Android 9 Pie (Go edition).

Priced just $80, the Vivo Go is an unlocked phone that works with T-Mobile, AT&T, and their respective prepaid brands. For instance, if you’re a subscriber on Cricket, Metro, or Straight Talk, you’ll be able to use the new device.

What does one get for that sort of money? A fairly impressive set of hardware, actually. It won’t set any benchmark records by any stretch, but it’s enough for first-time smartphone buyers. That’s the exact demographic for an Android 9 Pie Go edition phone.

The Vivo Go has a 6-inch display at 720 x 1440 pixels with a 2:1 aspect ratio and curved glass. Internally, there’s a 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, 1GB RAM, and 16GB of storage space. Should more room be needed, a microSD card slot allows for up to 64GB of media.

In terms of cameras, the phone has an dual configuration of 8-megapixel and VGA shooter on the back; a 5-megapixel sensor is found around front. A fingerprint reader is located on the rear of the handset. The Vivo Go has metallic plating finish on the battery cover and a mirror finish on the middle housing.

The Vivo Go carries a retail price of $79.99 at Amazon.

MediaTek’s new mid-range Helio P90 chip puts a focus on AI

Alexandra Arici
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Low-cost chipmaker, MediaTek today unveiled the Helio P90 platform, which according to the company can rival most premium chips out there.

Mind you, this is not a 5G-capable chip, but still, one that brings plenty to the table, as we will see in what follows.

MediaTek new processor is an octa-core affair that comes equipped with two Cortex-A75 cores running at 2.2GHz for tasks requiring power and six Cortex-A55 efficient cores running at 2GHz. MediaTek relies on its new CorePilot technology to ensure processing its done in the most efficient way possible across the eight cores.

The chip is made using a 12nm process and arrives with a PowerVR GM 9446 GPU on board which is said to offer a 50% boost in performance compared to the Helio P70.

AI is all the rage right now and MediaTek knows it

But where the new Helio P90 provides a substantial upgrade is in the AI capabilities department. The processor features a multi-core AI processing unit (APU) to offer four times the AI performance than its predecessors, the P60 and P70. The main purpose of the APU is be to enable high-quality photography on more affordable phones.

According to MediaTek, The P90 comes with support for a 48MP camera, or a dual setup of 24MP+16MP. What’s more, the chipset offers 480fps slow-motion video shooting at 16MP and is compatible with Google Lens.

What’s more, the Helio P90 comes with support for SIM dual VoLTE 5G LTE WorldMode with fast Cat-12 (DL) / Cat-13 (UL) 4G LTE modem.

MediaTek notes that we should see the first devices powered by the Helio P90 make a debut starting Q1 2019. And some of these smartphones might even make it on the US market, or at least the company hopes they will. But we’ll have to wait and see whether MediaTek’s new platform can do anything to dislodge Qualcomm, who is the dominant player in the country.

These $30 truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds crush Apple’s Airpods

Matt Adams
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Let’s not beat around the bush: Apple makes the most popular truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds on the market today. Yes, it seems like half the people I know are walking around with Airpods in their ears. It’s part of the reason we made our guide on pairing the Airpods with Android devices. Just because Apple makes them doesn’t mean you can only use them with Apple products.

Read more: Yes, you can use AirPods with an Android phone; here’s how

But, just because Apple makes them doesn’t mean they’re the best around. Sure, they’re fantastic (I own a pair myself) but there are other options. One of those options is the Xiaomi Air Dots. The recently released truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds are only about $30 USD (though prices are high to import them) and absolutely crush the Airpods in terms of value.

The Air Dots are really well made. Both the case and the earbuds themselves have a soft-touch plastic that feels pretty interesting. I like it but it’s a stark contrast to the hard white plastic of the Airpods.

This soft-touch cover is also a little translucent. When you’re charging the Air Dots in their case, you can actually see the charging LED through the case. It’s a really cool feature and makes them stand out from other wireless earbuds on the market. I’ve had a few people ask me about this feature so you know it’s catching people’s attention.

The case features magnets much like the Airpods case. It snaps shut and the Air Dots drop into place with a satisfying plop due to the magnets in the case. I will say that I don’t have as much confidence in the Air Dots case staying closed as I do with the Airpods, but it hasn’t been an issue yet. I’ve thrown them in my bag a few times and they’ve stayed tucked tightly in their case each time.

In terms of battery life, we’re looking at a rating of four hours of playback with another three charges in the case. In reality, I have found that I get anywhere between three and four hours of playback depending on volume level. You’re not going to reach that five-hour mark, but they won’t die on you in the middle of your workout either.

I do wish these recharged a little faster. It takes between 45 minutes and an hour to recharge both the buds. This isn’t terrible, but with several options on the market that feature quick charging, it feels slow in practice. Also, we’re still dealing with a micro USB connector here. I know that these are extremely cheap but I’m left wondering just how much more it would’ve cost to include USB type-C. Almost everything uses USB type-C now and it’s an annoyance to find a micro USB cable for these.

Luckily, Xioami has included a micro USB cable in the box. It’s a short cable but it gets the job done. Also in the box are some more ear tips in differing sizes and what I’m assuming is an instruction booklet.

I’m assuming that because it’s in Chinese. And that’s one of the biggest drawbacks here. The instructions are in Chinese. The voice prompts are in Chinese. Everything about this is a Chinese product since it’s not officially being sold here in the states. I had no idea how to pair these aside from just heading into my Bluetooth settings and pairing the right earbud. Luckily that worked.

Once I got them paired, I noticed how good they sound. You don’t get the same bass and low-end you get with Airpods, but the Air Dots are also $100 cheaper depending on where you buy them from.

In addition to my own testing, I also had my partner check them out. They don’t care about sound quality as much as I do and just care about having something decent to listen to while at the gym. We both came away with the same feelings, “they’re fine.”

You’re not going to be blown away by how these sound, but you shouldn’t expect to be for the price. I think they’re within striking distance of the Airpods personally and my partner still prefers the Airpods, but not by much.

Voice calls are another story. While everything sounded okay on our end, those on the other end of the line said we sounded muffled and hard to understand. In my testing, you can have basic conversations, but you definitely don’t want to use these for any kind of important call or teleconferencing.

There are no wings or special fittings here, but they do stay in place pretty well. Some other reviewers have mentioned that they fall out of their ears despite trying different tip sizes, but I haven’t had any issues.

I do like that both of the earbuds have touch-sensitive controls. You can do things like launch Google Assistant and play/pause your music with a quick tap or two. These also have no buttons so turning them on or off is as simple as laying your finger on the buds for a few seconds. Once they’re on, they pair incredibly fast. It’s a great experience.

Like most tech under $50, there are trade-offs here. But, the minor negatives are outweighed heavily by the positives. They sound almost as good as Airpods at less than half the cost. They have decent battery life and really nice build quality.

I’d like to see some updates in the next gen like USB type-C or, if we’re feeling really bold, wireless charging. But, I’m willing to live with those shortcomings to keep almost an extra $100 in my pocket.

If you’d like to pick up a pair of Xiaomi Air Dots, head over to GearVita where you can get some right now. As a special gift to our readers, GearVita wanted to pass along a special coupon code. Enter AGMAirdots at checkout to save $15!

Check out these other great truly wireless earbuds:

Get a taste of royal power with Reigns (Review)

Gerson Noboa
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Have you ever wondered what would you do if you controlled a kingdom? Would you govern for your people or for the money? Would you prefer to do ethical deeds that take a toll on your kingdom’s finances, or accept some money even if that means the citizens will look you in a bad way? What about the army? The church? In Reigns, you get full control of your lands, and need to make decisions in order to keep several factions in order.

Developer: DevolverDigital
Price: $2.99

Overview

Reigns is like Tinder but with royal decisions: swipe either left or right and question your choices after. As a king, you will get multiple situations, brought to you by your advisors. It is your job as a king to select the choice that is more appealing to you and your resources. You have the church, the people, the army, and the treasury, all depending on your choices. Give too little power to the army, and your kingdom will be invaded. Give too much power to the people, and they will overthrow you.

Gameplay

When starting the game, you will get your name as a king. Unfortunately for ladies, there’s no option to govern as a queen. We all know queens are the actual governors, though. After that, you will start getting questions from all kinds of people. Cards range from “We need a hospital” to “There are some witches that are meowing and it is spreading throughout the kingdom” to “You found a mushroom, the blue one seems edible.” A big part of the success of this game is just how great the sense of humor is.

You will always get two options for every situation. For example, the mushroom case above would have something like “Eat it” or “No way.” Depending on that, your character will either have its resources affected in some way, or you will gain some ability, building, or other power. Let’s start with the resources.

Managing your resources

As previously said, your decisions affect four different factions: the church, the people, the army, and the treasury. For each decision, you can swipe slightly left or right, and see how choosing it will affect the faction. If an advisor comes and says “The town smells like trash,” you might have options like “Clean it” or “Let them rot.” The first option could cost loads of money but it would increase the people’s satisfaction. The second option could reduce people’s happiness but still cost money because now you need to treat your citizens from a plague.

The beautiful thing about it is that you never know what will happen. You get either a big or a small circle on top of the affected resource. However, you only know if the resource will increase or decrease after you have swiped a card. Thus, you are left to your own instincts when thinking about every decision.

There are some cards that are very obvious in their effect, but some have effects that you would never imagine. That’s what makes every single question in the game a challenging one, and keeps the game fresh, even though the questions are reused.

Buildings and other items

Throughout the game you will also get the chance to build stuff for the people, such as higher walls or a barn. These will aid you throughout your reign, and, since they are permanent, they stay around even after you have died.

There are also other items that only work for the current king. There’s one item that lets you see if your decision will affect a faction positively or negatively. There’s a mushroom that makes everyone sound funny. There’s an item that will make you crazy and prevent you from understanding what people are talking. Most of the items are useful, but some are also included just as a fun thing.

Death is part of the game

Unlike basically every game I have played, overperforming in Reigns is as deadly as underperforming. I have died a couple of times by giving too much power to the people and to the army. They have both overthrown me. Just like in real life, I have never had too much money, so I don’t know how that can go wrong. You have to keep your resources neither too happy nor too unhappy, which adds a whole new dimension to the game.

However, there are some instances where it seems like the game decides that you should die, and thus kills you in cheap ways. For example, there’s been a couple of times I have been sent to a dungeon and both times I have died almost out of nowhere. Another time, a plague entered my castle after a wrong decision and finished my reign. It’s good to have some lack of predictability in the game, but dying randomly is a little infuriating.

Progress

One of the biggest flaws of this game is its absolute lack of story. You are a king, and apart from some very small references to a story, such as you having a child, there’s no narrative to speak of.

The game tries to work around that by creating objectives. These could range from meeting a special kind of character in-game to perform some action, like govern for some time or even meeting the devil.

Also, there’s a high score functionality. Your longest runs as a king are automatically saved for you. Other things that you encounter during your years in the throne are also recorded, such as the characters you unlock and the kinds of deaths you have had.

While these are nice to have, they are no substitute for a well-constructed story. This means that, after you have seen all the cards that can be drawn, there’s no much point in going on. Fortunately, the game makes sure to push that as far as possible. I have discovered almost 300 cards and it seems like I have only seen 1/3 of them, so there’s a lot of content to explore before you inevitably have seen it all.

Graphics and Sound

Reigns does a good job in trying to keep audiovisual elements consistent throughout the game. The same font is used throughout the game, colors follow a predefined palette, and all graphics follow a pixelated graphic style. The character’s portraits have enough details to be distinguishable but still do not deviate from the style of the rest of the elements. Everything is just laid out in a superb way.

There are several sound effects, primarily to introduce a character. They are mostly gibberish, but with time, you learn to identify recurring characters just by listening to the sound effects they make. It’s almost like the cry of a Pokémon. Also, kudos to the music. It is atmospheric and immersive, which makes it superb for setting the mood for the game itself.

Conclusion

Reigns takes a fun approach to controlling a kingdom by making you take black-or-white decisions that directly affect the factions inside it. There’s a lot of cards to play with, each one with unintended consequences and subplots. Unfortunately, the progression is a bit lacking, with small elements thrown into the mix to make up for it. There’s no story either. Thus, if you want a game that provides instant fun without any effort, you can’t go wrong with Reigns.

Download and install Reigns from the Google Play Store.

OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition is the priciest OnePlus phone yet

Alexandra Arici
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It’s not unusual for OnePlus to release special editions of its phones, so this week the company has done it again.

The Chinese phone maker just unveiled a version of its latest flagship which was developed in partnership with an iconic name from the car industry. Say hello to the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition.

The phone will go on sale in North America, as well as Europe on December 13 for the price of $699.

Get the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition

What’s new and different?

So what sets the McLaren Edition apart from the standard OnePlus 6T? Well, for starters the phone will ship out with 10GB of RAM. That’s 2GB extra than the current top-of-the-line model sold in Midnight Black which “only” features 8GB of RAM.

But the bulk of specifications remain the same. Buying this higher-end model will still get you a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a waterdrop notch, Snapdragon 845 processor and a dual 16+20MP rear-facing camera with a new Night Mode on board.

The special edition comes with Wrap Charge 30, the same as the standard version. But interestingly enough, OnePlus claims that on the McLaren model users will be able to get a day’s power in just 20 minutes, instead of 30. This means that you’ll be able to juice up 50% of the battery in less than half an hour.

Also read: First 10 things to do with your new OnePlus 6T

Design wise, the McLaren Edition boasts sleek bright papaya orange accents on the frame and features a carbon-like pattern on the back.  Obviously, the McLaren logo has been plastered on the rear, at the bottom. Overall these are discrete changes, but the result is a quite a luxurious looking device.

The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition is the most expensive device OnePlus ever released, so do you think it’s worth it? Let us know how you feel in the comment section below.

Sony Xperia XZ3 Review: Great with a few compromises

Andrew Myrick
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So we have spent a little more than a month with the Sony Xperia XZ3 and feel that we’ve experienced everything possible to formulate a review. So without further adieu, here’s the AndroidGuys review of the Xperia XZ3.

Read More: Sony Xperia XZ3 First Impressions

As we stated in our First Impressions, the Xperia XZ3 packs just about everything you would expect in 2018. However, there are a few surprising omissions which left us scratching our heads.

Spec Breakdown

  • Display: 6-inch OLED 1440 x 2880
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB expandable via microSD card
  • Front camera: 13MP
  • Rear camera: single 19MP
  • Battery: 3,300mAh
  • Software: Android 9.0 Pie

Hardware and Design

If you have become accustomed to smaller or lighter devices over the last year or so, you will struggle a bit. The Xperia XZ3 feels like a brick when you take it out of the box for the first time.

Curves for days

Sony finally got the memo that hard edges and corners are a thing of the past. The Xperia XZ3 is curved basically everywhere, with smooth edges that melt the display into the frame.

The rear of the handset is also curved, which helps keep it in your hands during usage. It’s a much more comfortable feeling than a device with just a simple, flat, rear-casing.

Camera or fingerprint scanner?

Also mounted on the rear is the single rear camera sensor, with the flash and the fingerprint scanner below. We’ll touch on the camera a bit later, but the fingerprint scanner became a point of frustration during my usage.

Sony Xperia XZ3 2Even with a case with separate cutouts for the camera and scanner, I still found myself reaching for the camera. For whatever reason, the scanner on the Xperia XZ3 is a bit too low and it feels like Sony could have positioned it higher.

This isn’t a deal-breaking issue in the same way that the Note 8’s scanner was stupidly placed. However, it was still frustrating enough to make me want to point it out.

One-sided buttons

When you look at just about every other smartphone nowadays, the volume buttons and power button are placed on opposite frames. However, Sony decided to slap both on the same side, along with an extra button closer to the bottom.

This tertiary button acts as a quick-access and shutter button for the camera. Pressing and holding the button will quickly bring up your camera, and then you can press the button again to snap a picture.

Personally, I don’t think we need a dedicated camera hardware button anymore. I would have liked to see better Google Assistant integration with this button or something similar.

Software

The mention of Google Assistant brings into the software-side of the Xperia XZ3. Sony was one of the first OEM’s other than Google to launch a device with Android Pie on board.

Read More: Android 9 Pie Review

Needless to say, if Sony launched a phone in the 2nd half of 2018 without the latest version of Android, I would have quite a few qualms with that. However, I’m happy to report that’s not the case here, and Android Pie shines on the Xperia XZ3.

It’s almost stock

Instead of throwing some gaudy and ugly overlay on the XZ3, Sony kept it simple. The handset almost feels like stock Android, including the Settings app, launcher, and notification shade.

You even get the Google Feed when swiping left on the home screen. This is a wonderful addition and something that more OEM’s should take note of.

Is there really any bloatware?

Since the Xperia XZ3 is not available through any carriers, you don’t really have to worry about dumb bloatware. However, Sony does package a few of its own apps, along with a few others.

The list includes the following:

  • Facebook
  • Google News
  • Netflix
  • 3D Creator
  • Xperia Lounge
  • PlayStation App

Other than the apps listed above, Sony also included some of its own apps for Email, Music, and the Gallery. Even after throwing an AT&T SIM card in the device, there were no extra apps installed, making me a very happy man.

The inclusion of Facebook is frustrating, but that’s a discussion for another day.

Is Edge Touch useful?

In years past, we have seen HTC and Google integrate extra features into the frame of their devices. Sony wanted to jump on this train, but did so in a different manner.

Sony Xperia XZ3 6Instead of providing “squeezable” gestures, Sony integrated special touch areas, which it calls active Edge Touch. When activated, you are provided with some of your most-used apps and quick toggles.

Read more: Sony Xperia XZ3 Tips and Tricks

This was a blessing and a curse in my experience. For some reason, it would activate when it wasn’t intended to be, and wouldn’t activate when I was trying to get things to work.

When everything worked as advertised, then it was a great experience. Edge Touch definitely came in handy a few times, but this feels more like a gimmick than something that people will use on a regular basis.

Overall, the software felt very fluid, and did not really stutter unless I was trying to do too much multi-tasking at once. Sony gets an A+ in the software department here.

Camera

In 2018, there’s been one major trend: moar cameras. Sony and Google have decided to say “screw that” and stick with a single primary shooter.

The single 19MP camera on the Xperia XZ3 performs admirably, even if it doesn’t stand up against the Pixel 3 or Galaxy Note 9. Instead, you’ll be looking more in the LG G7 range (for the primary camera), without the luxuries of a secondary telephoto lens.

As for the camera software, Sony has simplified the camera app. This almost feels barebones, other than the toolbar at the top and the MODE button which lets you get more creating.

Modes for days

Speaking of those different modes, Sony has included quite a few in its camera app.

  • Portrait Selfie
  • Google Lens
  • Bokeh
  • Slow Motion
  • AR Effect
  • Manual
  • Creative effect
  • Panorama
  • Sound Photo

First things first, we want to say how awesome it is that Google Lens is built directly into the camera app now. This inclusion makes it really easy to take advantage of Google’s latest push in the camera department.

Manual mode was also a welcome addition, as our smartphones are becoming better than other cameras anyways. Being able to adjust the necessary settings to get the perfect shot is something that simply cannot be overlooked.

There are some extra gimmicks included, such as AR Effect, Creative effect, and Sound Photo. But, Sony figured it should have some fun with the camera, other than just keeping things simple.

How good is the camera?

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with the camera on the XZ3. My daily driver is the iPhone X, and even though it is a year old, it still has been my de-facto camera choice, regardless of what I’m reviewing.

However, with the Xperia XZ3, my opinion was finally changed, kind of. I really wish that Sony would have included a secondary camera sensor here. Especially considering just how big the single camera module is.

Sony Xperia XZ3 Camera Samples

If I want a picture with a lot of Bokeh, I can use the included camera mode on the XZ3. But I HATE using digital zoom on any device, regardless of who makes it.

There is always a loss in image quality, and the same rings true with the XZ3. For standard shots, it will perform just fine, but if you need to zoom in for any reason, you may end up being a bit disappointed.

Check out our gallery above and let us know what you think about the XZ3’s camera capabilities.

Battery Usage

We’ve talked about the software and camera, but we haven’t really touched on the battery. Sony packed a 3,300mAh battery into the Xperia XZ3, which is “par for the course” in 2018.

It’s not too big, it’s not too small, and it’s more than adequate to get you through the day. What is nice is that we have fast-charging on board, along with Qi wireless charging. This means that you can keep it charged up throughout the day, regardless of your favorite charging methods.

In our usage, we were able to get through the entire day, even with using the hotspot for an hour every day. This is also in addition to being in a building with spotty network coverage on a daily basis.

All-in-all, you will be pleasantly surprised with the battery life, even if RAM management can be frustrating at times. The inclusion of 4GB of RAM is rather annoying, as we would have liked to see 6GB included since its 2018.

Conclusion

If you are a fan of Sony’s new design language or want to see what the hype is about the Xperia XZ3 is the best of the best. At least in Sony’s world.

The biggest issue for folks will be the price tag, which comes in at $899. Plus, you won’t be able to use it on Verizon or Sprint, and won’t find the XZ3 in your local carrier store.

Instead, you’ll have to settle for using Best Buy or Amazon to pick up the device. If you don’t care about the price tag, you may want to check out this bundle on Amazon. It includes the Xperia XZ3 and the new Xperia Ear Duo wireless earbuds.

How to set up autofill services

Gerson Noboa
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We have all been in this situation: you have bought a new phone, or decided to factory reset it in search of better performance. Everything is working smoothly, until you have to set up all of your apps again. If you have set up back ups of your data, then this could be potentially easier. However, if you haven’t, there’s the need to log in into your services again.

With so many information leaks, hacks, and other scary stuff in the complicated world of security, a password manager is becoming a necessity rather than an option. Using the same password for everything has never been an option, but it has grown to become laughably insecure in recent years. The biggest problems with password managers is the lack of a reliable, battery-friendly way of filling passwords into apps, just like extensions work on desktop web browsers. Enter the autofill API.

What is autofill?

Since Android Oreo (8.0), Android has added an option to autofill passwords for you. It’s really simple: you go to an app, and your phone will give you an option to autofill your credentials. This is how it looks:

From there, if you tap on the auto-fill button, you will be redirected to your password manager. Here, you will be able to unlock it, and select the appropriate credentials for the app. The password manager even tries to guess which application it is trying to autofill, but it is also possible to search for the login yourself. After selecting it, your application will have the login autofilled for you. No need to go back and forth copying and pasting passwords!

How to activate it?

The steps might vary slightly from device to device, since manufacturers sometimes group settings in different ways. However, try to adapt these steps to your own device and you will find the way around it.

  1. Install the password manager of your choice
  2. Log in to it and go back to the home screen
  3. Go to the Settings of your device
  4. Go to System > Languages and input
  5. Go to the Input Assistance section

There, you will find an option called Autofill service.

If you tap on it, you will have at least three different options: None, Google, and your password manager. By tapping on your password manager, the autofill service will become active for it. In case you still can’t decide between password managers, Android is kind enough to offer you an “Add service” option, which takes you to the Play Store and suggests you renowned password managers with the autofill functionality.

What about accessibility services?

Since this is a fairly new functionality, but password managers have been around for a long time, they worked around this limitation in Android by implementing some workarounds using an accessibility service. In short, they scanned through the fields of every screen looking for one that might accept a password. If they did, then you could autofill it with your credentials.

However, that was slow, battery-hungry, and unreliable. Thus, we recommend to move to the autofill option as soon as possible if your device supports it. All password managers should include this functionality it by now.

Conclusion

In this highly-connected world, in which everyone can access information from all over the world in a matter of seconds, security and privacy are more important than ever. While an increasing amount of services are very eager to make you create accounts for their sites, they often do a pathetic job in keeping this data safe. Thus, a password manager is essential to avoid bad experiences. With a native autofill functionality, there’s no excuses for using age-old methods such as similar (or even the same) passwords for every account. Give it a go and make your life easier and more secure!

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8: One year later

Andrew Myrick
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We are nearing the end of 2018 and we have seen quite a few new flagships released. These include new handsets from OnePlus, Google, and others.

But what about one of the best handsets of 2017 with the Samsung Galaxy Note 8? Has it stood up against the test of time and survived phone-pocalypse 2018? Let’s find out.

Specs

  • Display: 6.3-inch Super AMOLED, 2960 x 1440
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 64GB, expandable via microSD card
  • Front camera: 8MP
  • Rear camera: Dual 12MP cameras
  • Battery: 3,300mAh

For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Galaxy Note 8 in an effort to see just how well it still performs. There have been a few software updates over the last year, which have seemingly helped things.

Hardware

But before we dive into the software, let’s take a step back and look at the hardware. The sandwich glass design is still absolutely stunning, with the aluminum frame and curved edges.

Still a great display

The display is still one of the best in the business, even though Samsung’s latest devices are even better. I found myself on numerous occasions just looking at the screen to notice the amount of detail in a game or video.

There is a reason that Samsung is considered one of the best in the business. And it’s the same reason that Apple contracted Samsung for its displays on the iPhone X, XS, and XS Max. They are just amazing.

The dreaded fingerprint scanner

What isn’t amazing is the camera module on the rear of the Note 8. The placement of the cameras is all fine and dandy, but the fingerprint scanner is still in the wrong place.

We were ecstatic to see Samsung fix this with the release of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9. But after using the Note 8 for the past few weeks, we still can’t figure out what made Samsung decide this placement.

Go away, Bixby

For some reason, Samsung thought it would be a good move to include a dedicated hardware button for Bixby. This is still super-frustrating if you forget that you can now disable the button.

You can go through the process of remapping it to Google Assistant if you want. But the fact that there’s a button at all is still annoying. It’s just too bad that Samsung is sticking to its guns and included the button again on the Note 9.

Software

After the Galaxy Note 8 was released last year, I had the device for a few months. Samsung included Android Oreo with Samsung Experience 9.0 (read: TouchWiz), and this improved on many of my previous complaints.

However, at the time, I still felt that the software was too bloated with unnecessary features. This is still true, although the experience itself has smoothed out a bit.

RAM management has been vastly improved, as I can open quite a few apps, go back to one, and then to another, without losing my place. This has become a source of frustration with various devices, but Samsung has seemingly worked out the kinks, for now.

Currently, my biggest gripe is that we are now into November, and there’s no sight of Android Pie. Recently, Samsung announced a brand-new UI called One UI.

The company confirmed that this will be based on Android Pie and will be coming to the Galaxy Note 8 and S8 devices. We just have to play the waiting game, as is always the case with Samsung.

It continues to boggle my mind that the largest Android OEM in the world can’t seem to get its ducks in a row on the software front. Sure, you can throw a kitchen sink’s full of features on board, but you can’t get the latest version of Android on my device, months after its official release. But I digress.

S Pen

I’m one of those people who have a love-hate relationship with stylus’. On one hand, it comes in handy for certain situations, like photo editing. On the other, it’s not something you can sit and use for just whatever you are doing on your device.

We still have the same pop-up menu that appears every time you unsheathe the S Pen. This menu includes the following options:

  • View All Notes
  • Smart Select
  • Screen Write
  • Live Message
  • Translate
  • Bixby Vision

You can also add more if you scroll the wheel and find the “+” button. This provides more customization so you don’t have a bunch of useless features whenever you take out the S Pen.

This last benefit is a personal one, but as someone who likes to fidget with things, the fact that I can click the end of the S Pen without breaking anything is absolutely amazing.

Camera

When it comes to a device that is at least one-year-old, folks likely are wondering if the camera still stands up. In short, the answer is yes, with a “but”.

The answer is yes, BUT when looking at the competition in 2018, the Galaxy Note 8’s camera is completely outclassed. The dual-camera setup will still provide excellent shots, with its standard 12MP sensor and 12MP telephoto lens.

As a reminder, Samsung included quite a few different modes to shoot pictures or videos in:

  • Auto
  • Pro
  • Panorama
  • Super Slow-mo
  • Slow motion
  • Hyperlapse
  • Food
  • Virtual Shot

Plus, you can head over to the Galaxy Apps Store and download even more camera modes if you want to experiment.

The bottom line is that the Galaxy Note 8’s camera is still extremely functional, despite being a year old. Just don’t be surprised if your pictures are outshined by newer devices.

Conclusion

Overall, I have been pleasantly surprised with the Galaxy Note 8, even though I am frustrated about the lack of Pie. The camera is still solid, the battery is still going strong, and that display is absolutely gorgeous.

Now, when Samsung gets off its rear-end and brings Pie to the Note 8, I have high hopes that the device can live on for another year or so. But until then, I’ll hold my applause.

In the meantime, if you have been on the fence about picking up the Note 8, we say go for it. You can still get the device from some carriers, and the unlocked version can be found on Amazon for less than $600.

Check out these great products from RapidX, Port Plugs, bMOLA, AtmostFX, and Rowkin

AndroidGuys
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December is here and we’re knee-deep into another heavy shopping season. That means gifts for friends, loved ones, and even ourselves. And, given it’s 2018, it’s pretty easy to buy gadgets or electronic devices.

Before you go off blindly buying something you’ve never heard of just because it’s on sale, do a little homework. Ask around, check reviews, and turn to others for help. That’s where we come in; this is our platform for sharing our opinions on tech and other items worth buying.

The Weekend Recommender is our way of highlighting the cooler devices we’ve encountered along the way. Generally, it’s an assortment of tech and mobile-related things, but it’s also a handy for other items, too.

RapidX X4 Home 4-Port Charger

More often than not, we find ourselves charging at least two devices at a time. Depending on the situation, or location, we end up plugging in three or more gadgets at once. The X4 Home is the sort of charging solution that lends itself to users with lots of portable tech.

Slim, unobtrusive, and very portable, the charger offers up a handy way to charge up four devices at a time. Included are three USB-A ports and 1 USB Type-C PD port so there’s room for everyone, even if one of them is a laptop.

The RapidX X4 Home is sold in black and white options and includes a 6-foot cable. Place it near the end of your desk and you’ve got four quick charging ports within reach; the standard USB ports provide up 5V/2.4A output and the Type-C has up to 18W worth of juice.

The unit itself is barely any bigger than a Twix bar and tucks away nicely should you need to travel. Hotel rooms are never convenient when it comes to power outlets so be sure to pack this one for your overnight stays. The included portable stand and adhesive pad are perfect for more permanent placement but still allow for on-the-go moments. $40 at RapidX

Port Plugs

Wireless charging for phones is one of those technologies that we simply love. Once we started with platters and docks, we pretty much stopped relying on cables. In fact, it’s not uncommon for us to go weeks without plugging anything into the Type C port on our Pixel phones.

Port Plugs is a company who specializes in — wait for it — plugs for your phone’s ports. If you have a USB C port that’s not used very often, plug it up and protect it. This isn’t just for phones; many laptops feature the standard port.

It’s not just Type C stuff, either, as you can buy Micro USB, 3.5mm headphone jack, and other plugs. What’s more, many of them are offered in a variety of colors so you can suit to your personal style or taste.

In addition to plugging up your ports, Port Plugs will help keep ’em clean, too. It’s a lot safer than shoving a toothpick or Q-Tip into your port and could be the difference maker in solid connections and better charging. Moreover, the versatile tool can also be used to clean between laptop keys.

Port Plugs has a number of solutions for problems you might not typically consider. Prices are very affordable and are the preventative maintenance your device deserves. Grab a few packs and stuff ’em in some stockings this winter. Shop at Amazon and use Defend15 for 15% off any PortPlugs order.

bMOLA GO Portable Air Purifier

Did you know that the average person takes in somewhere around 20,000 breaths in one day? How many of them are you wasting by breathing in pollutants, irritants, and junk?

The bMOLA GO is a portable device that helps to clear the air no matter where you go. The “stuff” you breathe in can include pet dander, dust, smoke, sprays, detergents, and mold. Then, of course, there’s also bacteria and the viruses that float around, too. This purifier works to get rid of those things, and more.

Using Nano Confined Catalytic Oxidation (NCCO), the air purifier delivers the best quality of air you can get. It’s the same technology employed at hospitals and can lead to better sleep, increased productivity, and/or improved overall health.

When we say portable, we mean it. The footprint is not much more than you’d find in a small handbag or purse. And, the 8-hour battery means you can take it with you without worrying about having nearby outlets. The power cord uses USB so you can keep it in the car or take with you to hotels.

We received a prototype version of the air purifier here at the office and had to do just a bit of assembling upon arrival. With that said, we found it to be quiet at all settings and really effective. All traces of odor, smoke, and — we assume — bacteria and other unseen stuff is easily removed. Our sinuses feel clearer and the air feels more sterile.

Currently available as part of an already-successful Indiegogo campaign, the bMOLA GO is offered in four color choices. Pricing is expected to be around $150 for the purifier with shipping starting later this month.

AtmosFX Digital Decorating Kit

It’s 2018 and that means holiday decorations have changed. We’re no longer simply stringing up some lights across the top of our homes or placing some inflatables in the front yard. No, we’re going digital.

The AmtosFX Digital Decorating Kit centers around a projector that lets you display various seasonal scenes and imagery. It’s an all-in-one bundle that includes a tripod to mount your projector in landscape and portrait orientation, a white material for projecting, and a remote control.

Although the kit comes with its own assortment of holiday images and videos, it’s possible to use your own. Indeed, you can simply project photos from a memory card or via HDMI/USB. Moreover, it allows for your video clips in select format.

Easy to set up, it’s as simple as plugging in and picking the images and videos. Should you opt for something with audio, you can hear it through the built-in speaker. Or, plug into an external source and scare the neighbors with the sounds of zombies. Of course, there’s plenty of cheery holiday stuff, too. Normally $200, you can buy it for 50% off right now.

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ and Ascent Micro

The first company that comes to mind when it comes to truly wireless earbuds is likely Apple. The AirPods have revolutionized the headphone market, and other companies have come out trying to take down the big dog.

One such company is Rowkin, who has released the Ascent Charge+ and Ascent Micro. These truly wireless earbuds offer different experiences in an extremely similar package.

Starting with the Ascent Micro, the earbuds come in a carrying case with LED indicators flanking the charging port on the bottom. Open the case, and the earbuds will gladly greet you, hoping to be used as soon as they are charged.

Rowkin claims that the battery of the Micro will last around 3.5 hours. This is close to what we saw, but really depends on your usage.

As for the Rowkin Charge+, these have a bit more juice built-in, with a rating of 4 hours of playback and that’s what we saw in our usage. With the included charging case, which is a bit more unique compared to the Ascent, you can get close to 50 hours of playback before needing to recharge the Charge+.

The included Charge+ case serves as a way to simply recharge your headphones with a USB-C cable. Moreover, the case is also Qi-compatible which will go amazingly with the included wireless charging pad.

One additional feature of both of these headphones is the waterproof rating. Rowkin states that these are both IPX5 water resistant, meaning that these will serve quite admirably for those looking to get rid of the wires during a workout.

Finally, Rowkin also has released an app onto the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This helps you pair your new headphones, along with adjust the EQ to your liking.

Pricing for the Ascent Micro comes in at $99.99, while the Ascent Charge+ starts at $159.99. Both are available on Amazon Prime, meaning you can have them in your ears in as little as two days if you are a member.

Verizon makes amends, offers some discounts to first responders

Alexandra Arici
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Just in time for the holidays, Verizon announced it will be offering new discounts for emergency first responders. The promo is available for state and local police, fire, and EMS workers, regardless of whether they are in active duty, retirees, or volunteers.

Eligible parties will be able to save on Verizon Unlimited consumer plans, as the carrier is offering a $15 off one line, $35 off two lines and $40 off three or more lines. Moreover, users will be able to mix and match unlimited plans.

Verizon wants plays the good guy card

Furthermore, first responders can sign up for a Go Unlimited plan for only $30 per line/per month for four lines when they enroll with Auto Pay.

To get the discount, customers are required to log into their My Verizon account and upload the needed documentation for verification or visit their local Verizon store.

The carrier also offers plans for government agencies, but the new deals apply to personal consumer plans for first responders, not just professional lines.

First responders in 9-1-1

This announcement comes a few months after it was revealed that Verizon throttled emergency firefighters’ data connections as they were battling wildfires in Mendocino, California.

A week after that happened, Verizon solemnly swore that it will ensure that something like that never happens again. The carrier subsequently removed all speed cap restrictions for first responders on the West Coast and in Hawaii.

Now Verizon is trying to make up for this serious mistake. The company’s executive Mike Maiorana said in a statement:

“Verizon is doubling down on our support of these brave men and women by giving them even more value on their personal life. It’s our way of saying thank you for putting their lives on the line and keeping us safe.”

First responders can sign up for the discounts starting this week.

In related news, Verizon earlier this week started rolling out RCS support in for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

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